Carbon Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Photon Energy to evaluate the development of a large scale solar power generation plant with up to 20MW capacity at the Company's Bloodwood Creek facility in Queensland.
As part of the agreement, the feasibility of an innovative power storage system on the Bloodwood site will also be assessed. The assessment will explore the use of the site’s existing underground infrastructure to store energy for use during peak energy periods.
"This is a positive step for the Bloodwood Creek site and will help us realise some of the site’s potential, contributing to Queensland’s and Australia’s growing renewable energy needs," says Morne Engelbrecht, CEO of Carbon Energy.
Michael Gartner, MD of Photon Energy Australia, said: "This project demonstrates an innovative approach, that not only allows us to utilise the Bloodwood Creek site for renewable energy, but also to potentially develop an innovative new energy storage technology helping Australia meet its renewable energy targets. "Solar power is an integral part of Queensland reaching its ambitious renewable energy target of 50% renewable energy in the state by 2030."
"With its ideal weather conditions, connection to the grid and supportive infrastructure, the site is well positioned for solar energy production," Mr Engelbrecht said. "The area is particularly well suited to this sort of technology, as evidenced by similar sites being planned in the area."
"We have found an ideal partner in Photon Energy, given their experience in building and commissioning solar PV power plants," says Mr Engelbrecht.
Since its foundation in 2008 Photon Energy has an extensive track record of building and commissioning solar power plants in Australia and Europe and today operates more than 154 MW of solar power plants. If the project goes ahead it will create scores of jobs during the construction phase, as well as several permanent skilled jobs to operate and maintain the plant over its anticipated 25-year life span.